What is Shockwave Therapy?
Unique, non-invasive solution for problems associated with musculoskeletal system. Shockwave therapy was first used in the 1980’s and was called lithotripsy for destruction of kidney stones. Today, shockwave therapy is a highly effective treatment method for a wide range of applications in:
Rehabilitation
Orthopaedics
Sport medicine
Veterinary
Aesthetic medicine
as a skin tightening and anti cellulite treatment
Dermatology
for wound healing
Veterinary
What are shockwaves?
Shockwaves are part of our daily lives – thunderstorms generate shockwaves Shockwaves used in medicine are acoustic or soundwaves wave carrying high energy to areas of pain to stimulate a healing, regenerative and reparative process.
Shockwaves are characterised by a rapid change of pressure, high amplitude and non-periodicity. The energy produced and transferred to tissue is much higher than ultrasound energy.
How does SWT work?
There are several ways to create shockwaves – BTL uses the pneumatic principle.
Compressed air is used to generate kinetic energy which propels a metal projectile against a transmitter at the end of the applicator.
Shockwaves generated by this effect spread out radially or in a focused manner depending on whether the transmitter profile is convex or concave.
Medical effects of shockwaves
Effective depth of penetration depends on the pre-set energy (pressure) and the shape of the transmitter used. The values of penetration depth range up to 7 cm.
A substantial part of the shockwave energy penetrates the tissue with a positive pressure pulse. The spread of the pressure wave is limited only by a small amount of absorption in the tissue. Higher absorption occurs on denser tissue such as bone.
Analgesic effect - elimination of pain
Enhanced dispersion of substance P
ecrease of muscle tension Inhibition of spasm and inhibition of nociceptive fibers
acceleration of healing Enhanced collagen production
Improved metabolism and microcirculation
Ligament neovascularization
Stimulation of osteoblasts activity with increases in osteogenesis
Mobility restoration Enhances re-absorption of calcium deposits
About the treatment
Shockwave therapy is extremely easy to apply. Four steps are required:
Locate painful spots by palpation
Set therapy parameters manually or use a pre-set program
Apply contact gel
Commence therapy